In a welcomed move, CMS has proposed changes to the federal physician self-referral law (Stark Law) designed to improve consistency and interpretability and alleviate the number of technical violations leading to self-disclosures. This move is in stark (pun-intended) contrast to the stringent interpretation of the Stark Law by the Fourth Circuit in its decision in U.S. ex rel. Drakeford v. Tuomey Healthcare System, Inc., earlier this month. Given these sizable developments, what has changed and what are the implications for the healthcare industry? Our recent article discusses the Fourth Circuit’s opinion and what is to come for healthcare providers navigating the Stark Law.
